USC-UCLA Meet May Produce a Surprise or Two

Cromwell Field, USC’s track and field stadium, will officially become Cromwell Field at Loker Stadium during a dedication ceremony during the UCLA-USC meet Saturday.

That could be one of the few predictable events to take place during the renewal of the nation’s top collegiate track rivalry, however.

The UCLA-USC dual meet, in its 68th year on the men’s side and its 18th on the women’s, has a history of surprising performances and upsets and this year should be no different.

“We show our athletes dope sheets,” UCLA women’s Coach Jeanette Bolden said. “But the dope sheets go out the window when the meet starts. It really doesn’t matter once the meet starts. What matters is heart because that’s what this meet is about.”

The men’s and women’s hammer throws will be held this afternoon at West L.A. College.

The rest of the meet begins at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Katherine B. Loker, a USC alumna who donated $2 million to the construction of permanent grandstands, coaches’ offices and locker rooms at Cromwell Field, will be honored during a ceremony at noon.

UCLA has a 22-meet winning streak against USC on the men’s side and an eight-meet winning streak on the women’s, but both streaks could end Saturday.

Or continue.

The meets are expected to be that close.

The USC and UCLA women, second and third in the NCAA meet last year, are expected to battle for the title May 30-June 2 in Eugene, Ore.

Sprinter Angela Williams of USC and pole vaulter Tracy O’Hara of UCLA might be the two most recognizable athletes in the women’s meet.

Williams, two-time defending NCAA champion in the 100, will run in that event, the 200 and the 400 relay. She also has volunteered for duty in the 1,600 relay.

O’Hara, defending NCAA champion in the pole vault, is expected to lead UCLA to a sweep of the top three places in that event.

On the men’s side, UCLA is ranked third in the national team power rankings, but No. 4 USC is the two-time defending Pacific 10 Conference champion.

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The Facts

* What--UCLA-USC track and field meet.

* Where--USC’s Cromwell Field at Loker Stadium.

* When--Saturday, 11 a.m. The men’s and women’s hammer throw will be held today at West L.A. College, starting at 3 p.m.

* Who--Ryan Wilson and Angela Williams of USC and Scott Moser and Michelle Perry of UCLA are some of the top entries.

* History--USC leads the men’s series, 38-29, but UCLA has won the last 22 meets. UCLA leads the women’s series, 14-3, and has won eight in a row.